Operation by Ukraine’s 59th Assault Brigade highlights the vulnerability of Russian helicopters against small armed drones
On the morning of September 29, 2025, an FPV drone from Ukraine’s 59th Separate Assault Brigade shot down a Russian Armed Forces Mi-8 transport helicopter. The attack occurred as the aircraft was flying at low altitude, together with a Ka-52, in an attempt to avoid Ukrainian air defense systems.
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The operation was carried out by the 1st Battalion of Unmanned Aerial Systems, known as the “High Altitude Predators,” with the support of reconnaissance drones that adjusted the attack trajectory.
Russian confirmation
According to Russian Telegram channels, the helicopter was hit and forced to make an emergency landing, with the pilots evacuated from the area. The confirmation reinforces the impact of the action, which has been widely shared on both Ukrainian and Russian military platforms.
The role of drones on the battlefield
The incident demonstrates the growing effectiveness of FPV drones against combat aircraft, especially at low altitudes. First-person control allows operators to perform precise maneuvers and target vulnerable points such as engines and rotors.
Similar cases have already been recorded in other conflicts. In Myanmar, rebels reported the use of drones to strike a Mi-17 helicopter, reinforcing the global trend of employing unmanned systems in attacks on aerial assets.
Sources and images: Telegram @kvbarmy | Telegram @ZOV_Voevoda | Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
